I have an arbitration award in my favor and the insurance company has stepped in and is close to a settlement. Here is the problem, and if any professionals out there have an opinion, I would certainly appreciate it. The adjuster that came in originally said the whole floor needed to come up and be replaced. The insurance company didn't like that and hired a certified flooring inspector. The assessment from the inspector was to fill anything under 3/16, and then for anything over 3/16 use 'dutchman' process to fill the gaps, re-sand and finish. Every flooring company that has come in has either said they would not bid a repair job ( becasue they would be assuming to much risk), and if they did it they could not provide any guarantee or assurances what they did will solve or fix the issue. In other word, in 6moths if all the filler pushed out or the gaps came back, they would not have any responsibility to correct it.

I hired my own certified inspector 18mo prior, and his assessment was the same as this flooring inspector. However, had I taken the advise of the original inspector 18mo ago, my floors would still have major gapping problems today. If no contractor is willing to do the work and provide assurance, or some form of workmanship warranty, what do I do?

Really struggling with finding a reasonable solution. Any advise would be appreciated.

Some facts: House is 3850sqft, hardwood throughout. 4inch and 2 1/4 inch board. gaps are 1/8 - 3/16 consisten throughout the house, some areas 1/4inch. gapping is just about every 4 boards

I would consult with a lawyer.

What is the Dutchman process? Filler will probably not stay in gaps that large. Gaps that large could have slices of wood glued into them, and then refinish the floor. And maintain a very stable relative humidity from here on out.

Sherrie VandePutte
Frank VandePutte Wood Floors
Ortonville, MI

Thanks. Dutchman ( If I have it right) is just that, slivers of wood glued into the gaps.

I would not warranty that type of repair either. Way too much could go wrong. If there is as much gapping as you say the material was never acclimated correctly and I'm sure no moisture tests were done.

That is what everyone has said in regard to the repair. The report on the floor was, improper nailing, and boards never acclimating. What I keep telling the insurance company is the only way to repair this is to rip and replace.

I assume on normal repairs or installations flooring contractors have a minimum 1 year warrant on workmanship, is that correct?

The insurance company tells me it can be repaired, but there is no guarantee.

Whose insurance company are you talking about If it's your Home Owners Insurance, ( as you state in the post), I don't see how improper nailing and acclimation would be their responsibility Maybe some type of available coverage in one of those policys that I'm not familiar with? Usually improper fastening and acclimation are installer related.

Inspectors are always trying to help the insurance companys or manufacturers get out of paying up. Ask one of the inspectors if they would do that in their house. Losers.

You need to go into arbitration with a knowledgeable construction lawyer by yur side

Inspectors are notoriously wrong, they look for text book answers and if they dont see any signs then they always just say its an acclimation problem. Be careful. Id be willing to bet there are about 20 people in that inspector program that actually understand wood floors. Any numbscull that tells you to fill 1/4" gaps with filler in late winter has never done it before and is giving you some poor advice.

I don't feel the insurance company is responsible whatever is causing your problem. It sounds like this one actually is installer error, and your only recourse is to get in writing from one or more inspectors and take the installer to court.

Who had the floor installed? Was it you or the previous owners/

Obviously the installer found out what a PITA it would be and opted for filler.

Remove the flooring and relay the same exact flooring tight, with additional flooring for the fill along the ending walls where it will now be short.